In a report it produced this year, Women's Aid spoke to 404 women who were all refused space in a refuge on at least one occasion.

For 45% of the women, there had been three or more occasions when there had been no space.

Only a quarter were eventually found suitable accommodation.

New legislation announced by the Government in June, defining domestic abuse in law, establish a domestic violence commissioner as well as harsher punishment for perpetrators.

But while this announcement was welcomed, campaigners say it does little to address historic cuts to services, and that funding for refuges should be ring-fenced to provide a long-term solution.

Image:The Government says it is investing £100m in programmes to tackle violence against women and girls

The Department for Communities and Local Government told Sky News: "We expect local authorities to provide specialist accommodation and services that are appropriate, and reflect the needs of victims and their families.